Caller: Michael STANYER

Michael STANYER
54 year old Essendon Man

A Melbourne debt collector and his business are facing more than a dozen charges after allegedly using tactics to recover debts that are banned in Victoria.

Michael John Stanyer, 54, of Essendon, and RMS Collections Pty Ltd (ACN 639 085 439) are facing 16 charges under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012.

Consumer Affairs Victoria alleges Stanyer used a range of prohibited methods to attempt to recover debts for his clients between June 2021 and March 2023.

These include:

making repeated contact with debtors with unreasonable frequency and language
providing misleading information about the consequences of failing to repay a debt and threatening court action
attempting to charge debtors for his collection services in addition to the debt.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the alleged offending was significant, affecting nine consumers from different states.

‘Stanyer’s actions added unnecessary distress to consumers already suffering financial strain,’ Rich said.

We became aware of the alleged offences after receiving complaints from consumers.

The matter will be heard at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 19 for sentencing after Stanyer entered a plea of guilty.

Caller: Michael STANYER

Following Mr Michael STANYER from RMS collections guilty plea and conviction in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on July 12, 2024.

Please be advised that if you have experienced humiliation or distress as a result of unfair debt collection practices, you may now apply to a court or VCAT for compensation. Please contact VCAT for further details.

For more information contact VCAT https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/contacts-and-locations

Last Thursday , 11 July 2024, Michael John Stanyer pleaded guilty to two (rolled-up) charges at the Melbourne Magistrates Court:
ACLFTA s.45(1) – Engaging in prohibited debt collection practices; and
ACLFTA s.52(1) – Offence to charge debtor for cost of debt collection.
He was convicted and fined $15,000.

The conviction in relation to s.45(1) means that Stanyer is now a prohibited person under section 47(1) of the ACLFTA (the Act) and is prohibited for a period of 5 years from practising as a debt collector.

Mr Stanyer did not take this news well. His reaction is documented in the ABC coverage of the hearing. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-12/vic-debt-collector-michael-stanyer/104088044
If Mr Stanyer continues to practice, he faces the likelihood of prosecution in relation to ACLFTA s.47(2) which is an indictable offence.

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal ( VCAT ) 1300 01 8228 Time limits apply.

Caller: Michael Stanyer

Date12 July 2024CategoryCourt actionsNews alerts
A Melbourne debt collector who threatened, harassed, and misled debtors has been convicted and fined $15,000 after pleading guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Michael John Stanyer, 55, of Essendon was charged with engaging in prohibited debt collection practices and seeking to recover his costs under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012.

Under this law, Stanyer is also now prohibited from engaging in debt collection or running a company that engages in debt collection in Victoria for five years.

We took legal action against Stanyer and his business RMS Collections Pty Ltd (ACN 639 085 439) after receiving complaints from consumers across several states.

Stanyer used a range of prohibited methods to attempt to recover debts for his clients between June 2021 and March 2023, including using insulting language, threats and excessive contact over phone and email.

Stanyers main number is 0418 555 686

Caller: Michael Stanyer

Michael Stanyer faces five-year ban over harassing calls
By court reporter Kristian Silva
In short:
A debt collector who abused and threatened people over the phone has been fined $15,000 and faces a five-year ban for breaches of consumer law.
What's next?
Michael Stanyer says he won’t pay the penalty and will ignore the operating ban.
A Melbourne debt collector has unleashed a foul-mouthed tirade in court, after he was fined $15,000 and told he faces a five-year industry ban.
Michael John Stanyer was convicted in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday for breaching consumer laws, after harassing debtors and calling them names including "d*ckhead liar" and "pathetic, lying loser".
Moments after Magistrate Tim Greenway imposed a conviction and the fine, it was revealed Stanyer would face an even worse punishment.
The court was told he faced a five-year ban from debt collecting activities.
This was because he breached sections of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act which prohibit "undue harassment".
Debt collector Michael Stanyer told a Melbourne magistrate he would not obey a five-year ban.
The court heard it was possible for Stanyer to apply to the regulator for leniency, but he told the magistrate he would simply ignore the ban altogether.
"I'll just keep operating," Stanyer told the court.
"The world's f***ed. The whole system's screwed."
Stanyer, who made a living out of chasing people up for money owed, said he would not be paying the debt now hanging over his head.
"I'm broke. I've got no assets. I'm not paying $15,000 … I don't give a f*** anymore," he said.
"If I need to be arrested and thrown in jail for trying to make an income, happy days. That's the government for you. Thanks mate, enjoy your day."
"Thank you very much," Magistrate Greenway replied. "I don't think there's much more we can do here."
Consumer Affairs Victoria said Stanyer's offending occurred between 2021 and 2023 when he rang, texted and emailed nine debtors who each owed between $300 and $10,000.
"I'm going to default you first thing in the morning so there goes your credit rating," Stanyer told one man.
Another man who failed to pay a $7,500 fee was rung 56 times by Stanyer over five months and was threatened about "what's coming".
Debt collector claims he was defending small businesses
Stanyer was charged after several complaints were made about his conduct.
Stanyer defended his actions and said he was working for small businesses who were being ripped off by "the lowest of the low".
"They're criminals who haven't paid their debts. We're trying to collect money for the poor little businesses that are going out the back door because people are not getting paid."
In court hearings earlier this year, Stanyer said he was attending an anger management course.
Note: Persons conducting business as a debt collector whilst a prohibited person face indictable charges. If you have any knowledge of Michael Stanyer still collecting debts please report to Victoria Consumer Affairs, NSW Dept fair Trading, ACCC. Please also email reportmichaelstanyer @ gmail.com